CERTAIN PHOTOS ENLARGE ON CLICK	DEFENSE INTERACTION INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DIIA 2011 FIRST RESPONDERS REPORT
LOSS OF BLOOD – SMOKE INHALATION? Break Out Emergency Diving Medical Equipment

PHYSICAL AND/OR BLAST INJURIES ON THE BATTLEFIELD, ARE NOT ONLY PROBLEMS THAT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION, BUT ALSO THE LONG TERM EFFECTS THAT THESE TRAUMA HAVE ON THE CASUALTIES OFTEN RESURFACE IN OTHER WAYS IN LATER YEARS (TBI, PTSD & DEPRESSION ETC).

NON INVASIVE HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, IS PROBABLY THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT THAT CAN BE GIVEN. A HYPERLITE HYPERBARIC STRETCHER, AS FIRST RESPONSE, CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

LIFE AND DEATH.

THERE ARE MANY SITUATIONS WHERE ALTITUDE CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON A CASUALTY SUFFERING, EITHER FROM DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS OR OTHER PRESSURE RELATED TRAUMA THAT WOULD NECESSITATE AN EVACUATION AT LOW LEVEL. THIS IS OFTEN NOT POSSIBLE WHERE HIGH TERRAIN IS INVOLVED, OR WHERE FLIGHTS AT LOW LEVELS WOULD VERY CONSIDERABLY INCREASE FUEL UTILIZATION

AND REDUCE AIRCRAFT RANGE.

A HYPERLITE SOLVES THE PROBLEM, AS THE PATIENT CAN BE MAINTAINED AT A LOW POSITIVE PRESSURE, WITHOUT EVEN THE NEED FOR BREATHING OXYGEN AT HIGH DOSAGES THROUGHOUT THE FLIGHT.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Training & Maintenance
The company is fully aware that it is very important to that all Hyperlite users are trained in its operation. Those who are already trained as DMTs or CHTs will understand the system and be able to operate the unit in less than a day. SOS Hyperlite can provide full training by experienced professionals to suit your requirements. Training course will cover the following:

1) How to assemble, operate and pack up the Hyperlite.
2) Safety and Emergency Procedures.
3) Medical aspects of the various treatment protocols Maintenance

Maintenance of units performed by SOS Approved Service Agents.

The maintenance requirements for the SOS Hyperlite are minimal, with a two yearly regulator service and gauge recalibration. The unit should be checked over prior to packing it up after each use. Timed life items include the flexible tube assembly and windows at ten years, with a possible extension on the windows to a maximum of 20 years, subject to their being in good condition.

Please note that some of the information below will vary with different models

MODEL NO: 23/88/SOSH/75 Imperial Metric

Length 88.5 inches 224.5 cm

Diameter 23.5 inches 59.5 cm

Window Thickness 1.0 inch 2.54 cm

Bladder Thickness 0.05 inches 1.2 mm

Pressure Vessel Weight 110 lb 50 kg

Pressure Vessel Volume 20 cubic ft 570 litres

Max. Allowable Working Pressure 75 fsw – 33.5 psig 23 msw – 2.3barg

Production Test Pressure 114 fsw – 50 psig 34.5 msw – 3.45 barg

Prototype Test Pressure Achieved 453 fsw – 201 psig 138 msw – 13.8 barg

Gauges – Bourdon Dual Scale Absolute 0 – 90 fsw 0 - 30 msw

BUILD STANDARDS

ASME PVHO-1 (2007) & Case 12 | U.S. NAVY DIVING & MANNED HYPERBARIC SYSTEMS SAFETY

CERTIFICATION | LLOYD’S REGISTER EMEA | SGS UK LTD SYSTEMS & SERVICES CERTIFICATION | ISO

13485:2003 | DIRECTIVE 93/42/EEC FOR MEDICAL DEVICES | HEALTH CANADA & FDA COMPLIANT

USEFUL INFORMATION

NATO PRODUCT NUMBER - NATO 1045-99-442-1520 | US DOD NSN STOCK NUMBER -

NSN 6515-01-541-3147 | INT. HARM. CUSTOMS TARIFF - 9019-20-00-00 | DUNS CODE NO. -

211217835 | CAGE CODE NO – U04L4 | WARRANTY - 1 YR. FAULTY MATERIALS &/or WORKMANSHIP

Please note that existing owners of SOS Hyperlites are able to upgrade their present units to incorporate the new braided technology tube in place of the filament wound para-aramid

fibre/silicone tube originally supplied. Full information is available on request and is highly

recommended. Please note that the life of the tubes is ten years, but the window assemblies etc. may be extended to up to twenty years. This upgrade can only be carried out at a recognised service

facility.

MATERIALS

BRAID Vectran ™ Liquid Crystal Polymer Fibre

BLADDER Polyether Polyurethane coated Nylon woven Fabric

PROTECTIVE COVER Polyurethane coated Polyester woven Fabric

END WINDOWS Clear Acrylic Plastic in Nylon 6 Protection Rings

CASES NO DIMS IN INCHES DIMS IN CMS WEIGHT LB WEIGHT KG

MAIN 1 27 X 27 X 25 68 X 68 X 64 152 69

CONTROL 2 19 X 14 X 7 47 X 36 X 18 25 12

ANC. PARTS 3 19 X 14 X 7 47 X 36 X 18 14 6

TOTALS 12.7 CUBIC FT 0.36 M³ 191 87

Tel: +44 (0) 845 263 8155

Fax: +44 (0) 870 838 1103

Email: info@hyperlite.co.uk

Web: www.hyperlite.co.uk

During 2010, DIIA published a report demonstrating how emergency medical diving equipment normally associated with the treatment of decompression sickness following sub-sea accidents can be very effectively used by first responders attending IED (Improvised Explosive Device) incidents, suicide bomb attacks and can be an invaluable aid in saving lives for those dealing with casualties following natural disasters. With so much interest in this equipment and methodology being motivated by DIIA members around the world, our agency has decided to re-publish an updated version of this feature in this new 2011 World Edition of Defense Interaction.

After 45 years at sea, I have a reasonable understanding of medical problems divers can experience if operations don’t exactly go to plan. It’s simple really – diver panics, makes an uncontrolled dash for the surface and immediately suffers ‘the bends’ (decompression sickness). That’s deadly bubbles in your blood that you really don’t need. Take my word for it. There are many variations on the diving scenario: shark heading for him was bigger than he thought possible – separated from his buddy, became disorientated in the dark. Perhaps there was an air-supply problem or the diver attempted to achieve greater depths within clear time restrictions than his experience would allow. Doesn’t matter why: the end result requires immediate treatment in a decompression chamber but of course, that’s usually 35 miles away near the port where they departed from.

So the advantage of being able to deploy a small, light SOS Hyperlite Hyperbaric Stretcher on board that guarantees you have an immediate recompression system delivering Hyperbaric oxygen at above ambient pressures is obvious . Not only is full relief from the trauma achieved but early treatment leads to timely resolution of the sickness. Treatment can then continue during transportation to a larger chamber or medical facility. Where this is not possible, the full therapy can be achieved on site. So the SOS Hyperlite, as I will term the system, is obviously an essential, practical and safe way of providing divers with a greater chance of survival and full recovery in the case of an emergency.

Now, pilots on high altitude operations who have lost pressure in their cockpits can experience serious decompression sickness as well. So it’s not surprising that a Hyperlite based at military airfield medical centers has proven to be an important asset.

But would you expect to see troops on a dusty dirt road in Afghanistan responding to casualties of a roadside bomb with hyperbaric medical treatment more often than not associated with sub-sea emergencies?

IED’s – a constant threat in Afghanistan

It has come as quite a surprise to many that hyperbaric oxygen treatment is now starting to gain far more attention from military and coast guard units, emergency services and other linked organizations who have found that hyperbaric support for mass casualty injuries resulting from military operations (blast injury from Improvised Explosive Devices [IED’s] as example) or catastrophic events (such as earthquakes, typhoons, tornadoes) can be very beneficial to patients. In fact, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is identified by the Office of the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army as definitive treatment of neurological abnormalities in the blast casualty.

U.S. NAVY HELICOPTER ATTACHED TO NATO (TURKEY) WITH SOS HYPERLITE

It might sound strange but it’s certainly true, hyperbaric oxygen treatment is proving to be equally effective in far more than just diving & sub-sea accidents and the SOS Hyperlite Hyperbaric Stretcher is receiving very positive comments from various ‘first-responders’ worldwide

Case report: Treatment of mild traumatic brain injury

with hyperbaric oxygen

Colonel James K. Wright1, Eddie Zant2, Kevin Groom3, Robert E. Schlegel4,

Kirby Gilliland4

1720th Special Tactics Group, Hurlburt Field, Florida, USA; 2Hyperbaric Medicine Inc., Fort Walton

Beach, Florida, USA; 3The Anchor Clinic, Destin, Florida, USA; 4Center for the Study of Human

Operator Performance, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA

Abstract

Two United States Air Force Airmen were injured in a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Iraq in January 2008. Both airmen suffered concussive injuries and developed irritability, sleep disturbances, headaches, memory difficulties and cognitive difficulties as symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Six months after injury, repeat Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) testing showed deterioration, when compared to pre-injury baseline ANAM assessment, in all measured areas (simple reaction time, procedural reaction time, code substitution learning, code substitution delayed, mathematical processing, and matching to sample). The airmen were treated with hyperbaric oxygen in treatments of 100% oxygen for one hour at 1.5 atmospheres absolute, resulting in rapid improvement of headaches and sleep disturbances, improvement in all symptoms and resolution of most symptoms. Repeat ANAM testing after completion of the hyperbaric treatments — nine months after initial injury — showed improvement in all areas, with most measures improving to pre-injury baseline levels. The airmen received no other treatment besides medical monitoring. Repeat neuropsychologic testing confirmed the improvement. We conclude that the improvement in symptoms and ANAM performance is most likely attributable to HBO treatment.

THE SOS HYPERLITE (photo left) IS QUICK TO ASSEMBLE - AND EASY TO USE.

IT MAY BE USED AT A REMOTE INCIDENT SITE, DURING TRANSPORTATION TO, OR IN THE COMFORT OF A HOSPITAL, WHERE FULL MEDICAL SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE. IT IS BUILT TO ASME PVHO-1, LLOYDS REGISTER, ISO 9001/2000 NATIONAL STANDARDS, IS US DOD CERTIFIED AND IS CE MARKED. IT HAS SIGNIFICANT MILITARY, CIVILIAN, COMMERCIAL, SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL AND SPORTS APPLICATIONS

THE HYPERLITE HYPERBARIC STRETCHER IS A FOLDING PORTABLE PRESSURE VESSEL SUITABLE FOR TREATMENT AND WHEN NECESSARY, THE TRANSPORTATION OF A PERSON UNDER PRESSURE. IT PROVIDES HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBO) TO THE PATIENT WEARING AN ‘ON DEMAND’ BREATHING MASK OR HOOD. HAVING A HYPERBARIC STRETCHER AT AN ACCIDENT OR EMERGENCY SITE ENABLES A CASUALTY REQUIRING HBO TO BE TREATED IMMEDIATELY.

THE IMPORTANCE OF IMMEDIATE TREATMENT, ESPECIALLY IN DIVING ACCIDENTS OR AT BOMB BLAST INCIDENTS, CANNOT BE OVER EMPHASIZED. DELAY IN TREATMENT GREATLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF FULL RESOLUTION. DUE TO THE LIGHTNESS AND PORTABILITY OF THE HYPERLITE HYPERBARIC STRETCHER, IT IS ALMOST ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO HAVE A UNIT ON SITE, WHATEVER LOCATION AN INCIDENT OCCURS. IT IS RIGID WHEN INFLATED, BUT WHEN NOT IN USE, CAN BE PACKED AWAY IN TWO COMPACT CONTAINERS THAT ARE EASY TO CARRY.

The inhospitable conditions and varied scenarios under which diving personnel operate, increase the likelihood that safe diving practices cannot always be maintained. The presence of a Hyperlite at the surface provides immediate first aid to solve diving and decompression related injuries, especially in remote places, and adds to the confidence of those under pressure. The compact system with its capability for quick deployment, and early transport under pressure, when available, has saved many lives. Scenarios also include submarine escape and rescue, and (where the need arises) to fly immediately following a dive, make it an invaluable item of first response in such circumstances. When you are the decision maker and have to consider the procurement of any product or system for use by your military forces or emergency services, you cannot afford to make costly mistakes. Suffice to say that the SOS Hyperlite is already in service with a number of defense units around the world including navies of Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Italy (Navy Special Forces), Vietnam and even the Peoples Republic of China Navy: the latter, always an organization that seeks out the latest and the best equipment.

The SOS Hyperlite has also been deployed by NASA, NOAA, U.S.ARMY, USAF, U.S. COAST GUARD & U.S. Special Operations Command.

The SOS Hyperlite Hyperbaric Stretcher is shown (below left) on NATO trials.

The aim of DIIA’s publication Defense Interaction is not only to highlight the various positive roles that military, law enforcement and linked defense organizations carry out in support of local communities worldwide but to promote products and systems that assist military units and other agencies in successfully completing their multi-tasks. The SOS Hyperlite is clearly one such product that should be taken note of. A considerable amount of research has been carried out into the variety of benefits that can be gained by the use of hyperbaric treatment on the battlefield, in search & rescue scenarios at sea and on land and the way in which such treatment can be extremely effective in times of humanitarian crisis, natural disasters and terrorism incidents.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is the preferred treatment for both CO poisoning and smoke inhalation, but as is usually the case, there is no hyperbaric chamber when and where it is most needed. The presence and use of a Hyperlite to provide immediate ‘on the scene’ treatment is now a reality. Early treatment leads to rapid recovery, a therapy that can continue whilst the patient is being taken to the nearest medical centre. Delay, and the consequences may have become far more serious, even fatal.

In the smoking ruins of a city following an earthquake or volcanic eruption, during a wild fire or following a terrorist attack, there’s one factor that is paramount in saving lives: the speed by which first responders can deliver effective medical treatment to casualties. It’s the age old story – suffer major trauma in a remote mountain region and statistically, your chances of survival are far less than someone who receives similar injuries outside the front door of a city’s emergency trauma center. Mind you, I’ve seen response to emergency scenarios more akin to silent movies such as the Keystone Cops where C&C (Command & Control) is soon replaced by Chaos & Confusion. The terrorist bomb detonates in the crowded city center: everyone dials the emergency number at once from a hundred mobile phones. Fifty ambulances rush to the incident causing their own traffic jam and inevitable delays. Soon after their arrival – jammed into every tiny side street – a second device blows up in another location 2 miles away. Ambulances can’t move: nobody is quite sure which ambulance should go where (even if they could move) or they all end up returning to the nearest hospital – while three or four other major trauma centers remain empty. Such a scenario easily happens.

The idea that the ambulance can arrive with an SOS Hyperlite Hyperbaric Stretcher on board must be a clear step in the right direction. The patient – suffering from blast injuries, blood loss, carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation can be immediately treated and what’s more – if the ambulance’s departure to or arrival at the city’s trauma center is delayed for any reason – the casualty can continue to receive effective treatment that might be the difference between life & death.

The size and portability of the Hyperlite make it an ideal ambulance carried item, especially whilst in use. The unit is of a size and weight, allowing it to be placed on the ambulance trolley within its loading capability.

Having a Hyperlite on site at a hospital or medical centre adds flexibility to the treatment protocols available in certain situations. Hyperbaric chambers are normally large and immobile. The Hyperlite is compact and can be easily stored for almost immediate use, when no other hyperbaric facility is available onsite, or the existing equipment is in use treating other patients. Being so portable, and not requiring installation, the Hyperlite can be used anywhere in the building away from busy areas, to isolation bays if necessary, simply by pushing it around on a hospital trolley.

In Australia, last year, a number of States battled to control major wild fires. Once again, smoke inhalation was a major problem. The country has always led the way in air-ambulance services and the words ‘Flying Doctor’ is still associated with the Australian bush – conjuring up the picture of the isolated rancher sitting by his radio and waiting for the latest medical advice update or estimated time of arrival of the aircraft. But even this sterling service could not entirely cope with the recent wild fire devastation and Australian Defense Forces had to be called in to assist local emergency services in many areas.

Now, hardly have the fireworks around the world died down as every country celebrated the arrival of 2011, emergency response teams are rushing out to respond to devastating floods across Queensland, Australia. During such devastating natural disasters, various injuries occur. Divers checking infrastructure submerged by raging waters can suffer injury: first responders attending a fire caused by electrical systems shorting out (the result of flood water) can inhale smoke or be injured in some other way and require immediate treatment. Any natural disaster results in casualties and often medical equipment such as the SOS Hyperlite can prove to be a useful aid to those responding to the emergency.

Greg Messenger (L) and Gary Clem (R) try to restore a flood warning sign which had been flattened by the swollen Burnett River on Jan. 2, 2011. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP/Getty Images)	An estimated 22 towns currently submerged (some under 9 meters of water): peak flood levels have yet to be reached in Queensland and further severe weather is forecast.	High winds can add to the devastation of natural disaster: accidents and injuries are not uncommon. Casualties suffering from blood loss can be greatly assisted by hyperbaric treatment.

Extreme weather is affecting almost every state across Australia, threatening to lash the continent with gale-force winds, large waves, heavy rainfall and floods. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, a tropical low sits off the coast of Western Australia and a monsoon trough hangs just out from Darwin in the Northern Territory. An already suffering and flood-stricken central Queensland is expected to get the full brunt, the weather bureau warns.

“Severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours" have a distinct possibility of moving south to New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, according to the Bureau.

The news is grim for inland Queensland where thousands of families are already suffering from flood-stricken towns and hundreds have been evacuated from their homes over the Christmas season.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours,” the weather bureau cautions people of Dalby, Roma, Charleville, Emerald, Clermont, Cunnamulla, St George, Quilpie, Biloela, Blackwater, Moranbah and Goondiwindi. And those people living in the central highlands and coalfields, south Queensland to Maranoa and Warrego, across to Darling Downs and the Granite Belt and also the east coast to the Whitsundays, will not be spared either. The onslaught has also hit Capricornia where Rockhampton and Bundaberg are situated. Both towns are now isolated, cut off from the rest of the country by overflowing rivers. In Victoria, the southern tip of Australia, the Bureau warns of unusually high seas, large waves, gales, and gusty winds. Flood warnings have also been issued as the Murray is expected to rise. South Australia may also expect coastal wind warnings and so too, Tasmania. The severe weather patterns are moving into New South Wales and may affect Bowral, Orange, Bathurst, Katoomba, Parkes and Cobar. More detailed warnings are expected to be issued should the thunderstorms develop in the cities of Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, or surrounding areas.

Last year, in the United States, fast moving and deadly wildfires ripped California apart and in Greece, thousands of acres of land, homes, businesses, crops & livestock were lost in a charcoal hell of fire. The SOS Hyperlite is ideal for use by air ambulances (fixed wing or helicopter) to provide instant medical first response to trauma & injury on site and then - continued treatment during transportation of the patient.

The SOS Hyperlite is in use by the East Siberian Rescue Service, Hong Kong Fire Services Dept (PRC), Tyrolean Air Ambulance, Innsbruck Hospital as further example.

Photo left: SOS Hyperlite in use in Greece

The photograph (left) shows two special agents / divers from the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) who are experts at checking beneath United States Navy warships and defense maritime infrastructure for threats from terrorists and enemy action. In effect, this means that their divers could – if unlucky - potentially suffer blast injuries from explosive devices, decompression sickness, and major trauma. NCIS are also active in combating a wide range of criminal activity: missions that could range from searches for bodies to anti-drug running operations. Of course, they often have to work in dangerous or confined underwater spaces as they recover casualties and/ or evidence.

The photograph (below left) taken by U.S. Navy Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Spike Call shows Lieutenant (junior grade) Rebecca Aten, of Arlington, Va., a Navy Diver, as she peers out through a Mark-21 dive helmet before entering the ocean in Lumut, Malaysia. Lieut.(j.g.) Aten, was a supply officer aboard USS Safeguard (ARS 50) at the time.

The United States Navy deploys thousands of divers around the world from their many naval bases, massive fleet of surface ships, submarines, search & rescue craft and of course from other support vessels.

Those divers might be on covert operations, humanitarian missions, security duty, maintenance or recovery - a range of military multi-roles. The USN has the most advanced sub-sea and medical research departments in existence.

It is interesting to note that the United States Navy have also taken the SOS Hyperlite Hyperbaric Stretcher on board – as have United States Coast Guard.

The Hyperlite in use with USCG.

CLICK THIS LINK TO ACCESS THE SOS HYPERLITE WEBSITE

Q1.		What is a Hyperbaric Stretcher?
A1.		A hyperbaric stretcher is a folding portable pressure vessel suitable for the pressurisation and transport under pressure of a person requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). It is rigid when inflated, but when not in use, can be packed away for easy portability.
Q2.		What is the purpose of a Hyperbaric Stretcher?
A2.		The presence of a hyperbaric stretcher at an accident or emergency site enables a casualty requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) to be treated as soon as the first symptoms of the requirement become apparent. The importance of immediate treatment of diving accidents cannot be over-emphasised. Delay in treatment greatly reduces the likelihood of full resolution. Due to the lightness and portability of a hyperbaric stretcher, it is almost always possible to have a unit on site, irrespective of the whereabouts of the incident, whereas to have a larger therapeutic chamber available on site is often logistically not possible. Note: 1 bar = 10 msw = 33 fsw. At sea level the pressure is 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA) which is just over 1 bar (1.3% over). Chamber/stretcher pressures in hyperbarics are usually measured in metres (or feet) seawater and are assumed to be above 1 atmosphere, ie the depth of seawater. Remember that with a hyperbaric stretcher, you may not be at sea level and therefore it is more correct to consider absolute pressures when referring to therapies.
Q3.		To what pressure does a hyperbaric stretcher need to be capable of operating?
A3.		A hyperbaric stretcher should be capable of operating to a pressure of at least 1.8 bars above ambient pressure. Above 3 bars absolute pressure (2 bars above atmospheric pressure at sea level), pure oxygen becomes toxic very quickly. Furthermore, at 3 bars absolute pressure or above, one cannot remove the patient from the hyperbaric stretcher in an emergency, without life threatening consequences.
Q4.		Are higher pressures never required in the treatment of diving accidents?
A4.		Initial treatment therapies for diving accidents are normally conducted at 2.8 bars absolute. If resolution does not take place, then the patient may be subjected to higher pressures when transferred into a therapy chamber where full hands-on medical care is available.
Q5.		Does the Hyperlite have a maximum working pressure of 23msw (75 fsw)?
A5.		When the Hyperlite is used in reduced atmospheres, such as in an aircraft or at altitude, then the differential pressure between the inside and outside of the hyperbaric stretcher may exceed 1.8bar (18msw, 60fsw), the most common treatment pressure for pressure related illnesses. This has been allowed for in the design of the hyperbaric stretcher.
Q6.		Some chambers have a flange attachment so that they may be mated to a therapy chamber? Does the Hyperlite stretcher have such a flange?
A6.		The Hyperlite has been designed with a maximum diameter 585 mm 23 in, small enough to enable it to pass directly through the door of almost any therapy chamber and therefore not need to be locked-on.
Q7.		What tests have been carried out to prove the Hyperlite’s durability?
A7.		The hyperbaric stretcher has been subjected to the following tests: 1). Hydrostatic Proof Pressure Tests Three prototype hyperbaric stretchers maintained total integrity at 6 times maximum working pressure (201psi, 139msw, 455fsw) for a period of 30 minute at max. operating temperature. 2). Drop Tests The hyperbaric stretcher was set up with a 90 kg (200 lb) mannequin on the drag mattress. After pressurisation it was suspended at 45 degrees to the horizontal and dropped a distance of 3 feet on to a rough concrete surface. No damage or pressure loss took place. 3). Cyclic Hydrostatic Pressure Test The hyperbaric stretcher was cycled 11,000 times from atmospheric to maximum working pressure without damage or failure. 4). Folding Tests, Hot and Cold Storage and Inflation Tests, Solar Radiation, Salt Fog Resistance, Vibration Tests, Offgassing Toxicity Tests and Extended Duration Creep Tests have all been successfully tested by Lloyd’s Register EMEA, by the UK MoD and/or by the Wyle Laboratories on behalf of the US DoD.
Q8.		To what Quality Standard are Hyperlite's built?
A8.		All Hyperlite's are built to the BS EN ISO 13485:2003 Quality Standard, covering both design and manufacture. It is also CE marked under the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC and Health Canada approved.
Q9.		Is the Hyperlite supplied with a warranty?
A9.		The Hyperlite is supplied with a full one-year warranty covering materials and workmanship. Each hyperbaric stretcher is built to Lloyd's Register Rules and Regulations and to the ASME PVHO-1 US National Standard (2007). It is a requirement that training be given to Hyperlite Operators. Use by unqualified personnel may invalidate the Warranty
Q10.		How is the Hyperlite tested prior to delivery?
A10.		In addition to quality control and visual inspections at all stages of manufacture, each Hyperlite is pressurised to 1.5 times the maximum working pressure for one hour. All testing may be witnessed by the purchaser's representative.
Q11.		How is the Hyperlite protected from over-pressurization?
A11.		The Hyperlite has an emergency blow-off valve set at 26 msw (86 fsw).
Q12.		How do you ensure that the operator does not make wrong connections when assembling the Hyperlite?
A12.		Each connection is different, either in size or type and is colour-coded, so that no hose can be wrongly connected.
Q13.		What material is used in the manufacture of the flexible tube to make it so strong and yet be so flexible?
A13.		The Hyperlite flexible tube is made of braided Vectran Liquid Crystal Polymer fibres enclosed on both sides by Polyurethane (PU) coated fabrics. The pressure retaining bladder on the inside is a white coated nylon and on the outside is a coated polyester cover (available in various designs).
Q14.		Does the integrity of the Hyperlite tube suffer damage by folding?
A14.		The tube is unlikely to suffer damage from repeated folding during its normal working life. A prototype tube assembly has undergone 4000 folding and unfolding tests.
Q15.		Does the Hyperlite tube suffer from being kept folded in its storage case?
A15.		No, The manufacturer recommends however that the hyperbaric stretcher be removed every six months for a trial inflation.
Q16.		Does the Hyperlite tube suffer from the effects of high or low temperature?
A16.		The Hyperlite tube is approved for use between 20°C and 40°C (-4°F to 104°F). For storage, the tube shall be kept between -23°C (-10°F) and 66°C (150°F). For patient comfort, the Hyperlite should ideally be kept below 29°C (84°F) when in service.
Q17.		Can repairs be made to a damaged Hyperlite tube?
A17.		Yes, the tube assemblies can be repaired, but only by certified technicians at an approved repair facility.
Q18.		Can a patient be X-rayed inside the hyperbaric stretcher?
A18.		By positioning the tube above the hyperbaric stretcher and the plate beneath the hyperbaric stretcher, any part of a patient can be X-rayed without loss of clarity. The intensity of dosage should not need to be increased.
Q19.		Can the Hyperlite be used and carried at much lower pressures?
A19.		It remains rigid and fully operational at pressures down to 5 msw (16 fsw).
Q20.		Does the Hyperlite float?
A20.		The Hyperlite will always remain buoyant when inflated, even with a large heavy casualty and all the services connected.
Q21.		Could a patient suffer from claustrophobia in such a small unit?
A21.		This is unlikely as the Hyperlite is supplied with two full diameter transparent domes giving the patient excellent vision from the unit.
Q22.		How much air and oxygen is needed for a therapy?
A22.		This will depend upon the pressures to which the Hyperlite will be are the responsibility of the operator and can easily be calculated.
Q23.		Is patient monitoring possible inside the Hyperlite?
A23.		Provided that the unit has been supplied with the correct penetrations and connections, full monitoring of the patient including ECG (EKG), EEG, BP, Pulse Oximetry, and IV sampling etc. are all possible. There is the added capability, using the TeleMedic Systems Vitalink Monitoring System, of being able to transmit the information electronically in real time to anywhere in the world via the internet.
Q24.		What happens if the condition of the casualty deteriorates and a hands-on situation becomes vital?
A24.		This is a situation where the patient must be removed from the Hyperlite without delay. This can be done by fully opening the emergency vent in addition to the pressure exhaust valve. Even from maximum operating pressure, the patient can be de-pressurized in little over one minute.
Q25.		If removal of a diving casualty from the Hyperlite becomes essential, will the return to ambient pressure bring back the 'bends'?
A25.		Provided that the patient has been under pressure on oxygen for some time, it may well be that the nitrogen has already been flushed out of the system and the symptoms are unlikely to recur. The patient should however be re-pressurised as soon as possible.
Q26.		Can the Hyperlite be carried on scheduled airlines or chartered aircraft?
A26.		IATA regulations permit the carriage of the Hyperlite with a casualty aboard aircraft in emergency circumstances subject only to agreement with the Carrier. There are no formal restrictions concerning the carriage of air and oxygen cylinders for life support purposes in this situation.
Q27.		Does the Hyperlite suffer from off-gassing?
A27.		The PU coated nylon used for the Hyperlite Bladder has been selected for its low offgassing properties. The same material is used in other life support breathing equipment. ©DIIA 2011